Fired Quincy cop’s civil rights claim dismissed

U.S. District Court Judge Richard Stearns has dismissed fired police officer Joseph McGunigle’s claim the city violated federal civil rights laws by trying to oust him. The ruling does not affect several other claims in the suit alleging violations of state law, including libel and protection for whistle-blowers. But it does mean those claims have no standing in federal court.

U.S. District Court Judge Richard Stearns on Thursday granted motions made by attorneys representing the city, Police Chief Paul Keenan and Capt. John Dougan to dismiss a federal civil rights claim in a suit against the city and the officers. In his decision, Stearns said McGunigle had not contested the motion.

The ruling does not affect several other claims in the suit alleging violations of state law, including libel and protection for whistle-blowers. But it does mean those claims have no standing in federal court.

Timothy Burke, the lawyer representing McGunigle, said the judge was unaware that attorneys on both sides had agreed to extend the deadline for him to file his opposition to the motions to dismiss, and that he will ask the court to reconsider.

“I’m very sure it’ll be back in federal court,” Burke said.

If the judge refuses to reconsider, Burke said he will file the suit in state court.

John Hitt, an attorney representing the city, and a spokesman for Mayor Thomas Koch declined to comment on the ruling.

A 14-year-veteran of the department, McGunigle’s Post Island Road neighbors nicknamed him “Robocop” for repeatedly citing neighbors for not keeping their dogs on leashes and allowing them to defecate on public property and in private yards.